Tag: environment
Wonder Wagon takes nature on the road
The Fairfax County Park Authority has a new way to help residents experience nature in their communities and schools. The new Wonder Wagon is a mobile nature center that brings environmental and nature-based educational programs to underserved areas. The brightly painted Wonder Wagon van makes the rounds of afterschool programs, Head Start centers, and … Continued
Schools get new trees for Arbor Day
Two Annandale elementary schools celebrated Arbor Day by planting trees. On April 26, the Fairfax County Urban Forest Management Division helped students plant 12 trees at Annandale Terrace Elementary School. Supervisors Andres Jimenez (Mason) and James Walkinshaw (Braddock), Fairfax County Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid, and school board member Ryan McElveen (at-large) participated in the Arbor … Continued
Jimenez forms environmental group
Fairfax County Supervisor Andres Jimenez is forming an environmental work group to find creative ways to make Mason District more environmentally friendly. The Greener Mason Advisory Committee “will help us find hyper-local, creative ways to meet the climate goals set by Fairfax County,” Jimenez said. “As a former executive for climate and environmental nonprofits, furthering … Continued
FCPS gets 42 electric school buses
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded Fairfax County Public Schools $16.5 million for 42 new electric school buses. The funds come from the Clean School Bus Program which was included in the bipartisan infrastructure law enacted during the Biden administration. “Every day, thousands of students, staff, and parents are in and around school buses, … Continued
Celebrate Earth Day in Annandale
Community members are invited to a trail and stream cleanup event on the Annandale Greenway on Saturday morning, April 27, then head to the Eileen Garnett Civic Space for an Earth Day celebration. The trail cleanup will take place 9-11 a.m. along the part of the Greenway in Manassas Gap Railroad Park. To participate, meet … Continued
Residents concerned about Dominion’s substation project
About 100 residents of the Bren Mar Park area came to an “open house” with Dominion Energy representatives April 9 to learn about the utility company’s plans for a new substation and transmission line to serve a data center planned for the Plaza 500 site. None of the dozen or so maps of the project … Continued
Discounts offered on solar energy
With all eyes on the solar eclipse later today (figuratively, not literally, we hope), it’s a good time to think about making the most of the sun’s energy. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Solarize Virginia, a program that vets solar panel installation companies that provides discounts to homeowners. It’s offered by the Local Energy Alliance … Continued
Enjoy the eclipse without hurting your eyes
Tomorrow’s the big day. The sky will darken Monday afternoon, as the moon passes between the sun and Earth creating a partial solar eclipse over Northern Virginia. The eclipse will begin in our area around 2:04 p.m. and end around 4:32 p.m. The maximum eclipse will occur around 3:20 p.m. The path of the total … Continued
Tree rescue event set for March 10
Community members are invited to gather in Sleepy Hollow Park on Sunday, March 10, 12-2 p.m., to learn how to rescue trees being strangled by invasive vines. Sleepy Hollow Park is located on Sleepy Hollow Road across from the Congressional School. Parking is available on side streets. The event is organized by Sam Butler, the … Continued
New coalition focuses on invasive plants
A group of homeowner and community associations has come together to focus on removing invasive plants and supporting the planting of native species. The Fairfax Invasive Removal Alliance (FIRA), established on on Jan. 19, is sending letters to the Board of Supervisors and state legislators urging action to address the problem of invasive, non-native plant … Continued
Learn how climate change is affecting gardening
Hands On Harvests, the nonprofit organization that operates the new garden in the Eileen Garnett Civic Space on Columbia Pike in Annandale, is hosting three online gardening education programs. The first webinar, on Feb. 13, 7 p.m., is on gardening in a changing climate. Sara Via, a professor and climate extension specialist at the University … Continued
Supervisors to vote on huge data center
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to hold a hearing on Jan. 23 on a huge data center in Chantilly that could have a negative impact on the county’s drinking water. An affiliate of Penzance is seeking a rezoning and special exception to build a 110-foot-tall data center in a resource protection area. … Continued
County planners recommend more robust reviews of data centers
Fairfax County planning staff issued a report on data centers that recommends additional requirements to address the potential negative impacts on the environment and nearby residential communities. Last May, the Board of Supervisors directed to staff conduct research and present recommendations on how proposals for data centers should be considered with regard to zoning, siting, … Continued
FCPS will get more electric school buses
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded Fairfax County Public Schools $16.59 million to purchase 42 electric school buses. The EPA’s first Clean School Bus Program grant competition is aimed at accelerating the transition to low and zero-emission vehicles. “These awards will improve air quality for children and their families and advance environmental justice, all … Continued
Friends group formed for Tripps Run
A new friends group has been launched to engage the community in restoring Tripps Run, a stream that runs through Mason District and the City of Falls Church. Tripps Run starts on Shreve Road in Falls Church, crosses Route 29, goes through Jefferson Village Park, crosses Arlington Boulevard by Bill Page Honda, crosses Sleepy Hollow … Continued